The little village of Gladstone in Kempsey Shire is quite a food hub.

15 kilometres north of Kempsey and under 20 kilometres from South West Rocks, Gladstone sits on just 6.6 square kilometres of land, has fewer than 500 residents, and you can  literally count the number of places to eat on one hand.

But the village has a cafe, pub, and two riverside restaurants serving excellent food - what more do you need?

Let’s take a trip along the main strip - Kinchela Street - to see all the places you can sit down for a meal (plus a bonus bakery).

Lloydies

Lloydies serves up modern Australiana and cocktails, providing more of a fine-dining experience. Chef Lloyd Newell uses high quality and seasonal produce to curate dishes, making for a memorable menu. 

It’s a great spot for a celebration or a weekend outing.

Visit this riverside venue for lunch, dinner or catch-up over afternoon cocktails. 

Address: Kinchela St, behind Health Lodge, Gladstone.
Opening hours: Open Thursday to Sunday for lunch from 12 noon until 2pm, and for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from 5.30pm until 10pm.

The Old Bank

Just up the road and also along the Macleay River is one of Gladstone’s Federation buildings, The Old Bank, which has been converted to accommodation and dining.

The Old Bank has a country-home style and is a classic Bed & Breakfast. Think: china plates on display, floral prints and frills.

The venue is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and a set menu for dinner (two courses are  $80 per person, or $90 each for a three-course menu).

Known for its custom seafood platters, the restaurant also offers high tea.

Address: 20 Kinchela St, Gladstone.
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm.

Steam and Cedar

Within the Gladstone Hub you’ll find the hole-in-the-wall Steam & Cedar cafe, serving toasties, sweet treats and drinks.

The toasties range from $17 to $20. They’re all served on a bed of fresh salad from the cafe’s garden and orange wedges to take you back to halftime at a netball or soccer game as a young one.

My favourite is the Betty-Lou toastie, made with beetroot relish, halloumi, zucchini, rocket, mint and three cheeses, toasted on fresh sourdough.

They also offer a kid’s box for just ten bucks.

The coffee is also excellent. I recommend a mango smoothie (medium size $8.50 or large $10.50) on a hot day.

It’s a great option for grab and go if you’re on the road, or want to have a picnic by the river across the street. There’s also plenty of tables outside in the Hub’s garden.

You can also check out the nearby shops while you wait on takeaway.

Address: The Gladstone Hub, 19 Kinchela St, Gladstone.
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday,  8am until 3pm.

The Heritage Hotel

The Heritage Hotel of Gladstone is more commonly known as the Gladstone Pub or “The Gladdy.”

The venue serves classic pub food and daily specials, with a balcony that’s perfect for watching the sun set over the river. On a sunny day you can take a table in the beer garden. 

The pub puts on live music all year around. On Sunday (February 16) Dan Hopkins is behind the mic.

The venue also opened The Stables last year for venue hire and private functions.

Address: 21 Kinchela St, Gladstone.
Opening hours: 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm Sunday to Tuesday, until 11pm on Wednesdays and 12am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday. 

Crusty’s Bakery

If you’re looking for more of a simple grab-and-go on the road, or a bite to enjoy in the park nearby, try Crusty’s Bakery.

A classic regional town bakery with pies, sausage rolls, wraps, cream-filled sweets – you know the drill.

Address: 3/4 Ashton St, Gladstone.

Opening hours: 4am to 5pm, closed on Sundays.